ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Implementation of Poshan Abhiyaan
POSHAN Abhiyaan has been set up by Government of India on 18.12.2017 for a three-year time frame commencing from 2017-18 with an aim to reduce the level of stunting in children , under-nutrition in children  and Low Birth Weight at 2% per annum and reduce anaemia among young children , women and adolescent girls at 3% per annum across the country.
The Abhiyaan ensures convergence with various programmes, organising Community Based Events;incentivising States/UTs for achieving goals. Community Mobilization and Awareness Advocacy leading to Jan Andolan – to educate the people on nutritional aspects.Incremental Learning Approach ; strengthening Field Functionaries. Under theAbhiyaan, all districts of the 36 States/UTs, including Tamil Nadu, have been covered for implementation in a phased manner.
The Government of India and UNICEF have jointly signed the Country Programme 2018-2022 in January, 2018. Under the agreement, UNICEF provides technical support to MWCD for POSHAN Abhiyaanunder Country Programme 2018-2022 and also supporting in the following matters:
· Supported in designing of all guidelines.
· Preparing Posters and Hoardings
· Preparation of audio visual.
· Supported in preparation and designing of Jan Andolan Guidelines and
· Supported in preparation of Dashboard/Google link for Jan Andolan.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT KOVIND PAYS SURPRISE VISIT TO THE RIDGE, SHIMLA
INTERACTS WITH CITIZENS AND TOURISTS OF SHIMLA
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind paid a surprise visit to the Ridge, Shimla today  and interacted with the citizens and tourists. President Kovind who arrived in a small carcade with little security went to the Ridge, Shimla. He bought popcorn and had short conservation with the people and tourists present there. President Kovind while remembering his roots as a common man visited a snacks shop and interacted with locals. It was an impromptu visit which the President decided to take after offering prayers at the Jakhu Temple.
It was a huge surprise for the people as the President went around meeting them for a short while with minimal security restrictions. The President is on a visit to Himachal Pradesh marking the golden jubilee of the statehood of the state.
Ministry of Defence
INS Tarangini returns after Vogage across the World
The sail training ship of Indian Navy, INS Tarangini based at Kochi, returned after a seven month long sailing across the world to a grand reception at naval base, Kochi on 30 Oct 18. The ship was received by Rear Admiral RJ Nadkarni, VSM, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. A welcoming ceremony was conducted by the Southern Naval Command at South Jetty of the naval base to mark the occasion. Captain Varun Singh, SC, Senior Officer First Training Squadron and a number of senior officers, families of the crew and other distinguished guests also attended the function.
The Voyage named “Lokayan 18” was flagged off on 10 Apr 18 from Kochi. During the voyage, the ship has proudly 'shown the flag' and highlighted the diverse culture of India across 15 ports in 13 countries. The ship sailed across the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, English Channel and North Sea, right up to Norway before commencing her homeward passage back to Kochi. The ship also participated in the culminating event of the ‘Three Festival Tall Ships Regatta’ at Bordeaux, France. As well as the ‘Tall Ships Races Europe 2018’ which started at Sunderland, UK and touched Esbjerg, Denmark and Stavanger, Norway before finishing at Harlingen, Netherlands. During the tall ships regatta, the ship sailed along with hundreds of other sailing vessels, of which 200 were ‘Tall Ships’ like herself, besides taking part in the parade of sails, which was conducted at all these ports.
INS Tarangini is a three masted 'square rigged' barque which carries a total of 20 sails. She is the First Sail Training Ship in Indian Navy and was commissioned on 11 Nov 1997. In her 21 years of glorious service, she has sailed over 2,20,000 nautical miles to date across the world's oceans. The ship is under the command of Cdr Rahul Mehta. She has a crew of nine officers and 43 sailors and can also embark 30 Officer Sea Trainees. She is the first of two Sail Training Ships in the First Training Squadron, the other being INS Sudarshini. The primary role of these Sail Training Ships is to develop character and professionalism, as well as inculcate the qualities of initiative, courage, resilience and esprit-de-corps amongst the Sea Trainees and also impart practical training to them, primarily on navigation, sailing and seamanship. Over the years, INS Tarangini has been extensively deployed for long voyages away from her base port of Kochi, which includes one circumnavigation of the globe  and three previous ‘Lokayans’ .
DKS/SW/AC
(Visitor Counter : 1496
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Rupees 22,000 crore as one time grant of PSU OMCs for losses in Domestic LPG
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today has approved the proposal of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to give one time grant amounting to Rs.22,000 crore to three Public Sector Undertaking Oil Marketing Companies . The grant will be distributed among Indian Oil Corporation Limited , Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited  and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited .
The approval will help the PSU OMCs to continue their commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, ensuring unhindered domestic LPG supplies and also supporting the procurement of Make in India products.
Domestic LPG Cylinders are supplied at regulated prices to consumers by the public sector Oil Marketing companies namely, IOCL, BPCL, HPCL.
During the period from June 2020 to June 2022, the international prices of LPG increased by around 300%. However, to insulate consumers from fluctuations in international LPG prices, the cost increase was not fully passed on to consumers of domestic LPG. Accordingly, domestic LPG prices have raised by only 72% during this period. This has led to significant losses for these OMCs.
Despite these losses, the three PSU OMCs have ensured continuous supplies of this essential cooking fuel in the country.
Ministry of Defence
13th India-Vietnam Defence Security Dialogue
Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, co-chaired the 13th India-Vietnam Defence Security Dialogue along with his Vietnamese co-chair Sr Lt Gen Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Defence Minister, Socialist Republic of Vietnam on 12 January 2021. During their virtual interaction, Defence Secretary and the Deputy Defence Minister expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries in spite of the limitations imposed by COVID 19.
During the virtual interaction, Defence Secretary and the Deputy Defence Minister exchanged views on the plan of action that has emanated from the recently concluded Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc in December 2020. New areas of defence cooperation were also discussed.
They expressed satisfaction at the growing defence ties between the two countries. Both the sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the Armed Forces under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides agreed that in the recent past our respective countries have made notable strides in Defence Industry and Technology cooperation and look forward to even greater cooperation in this field.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
175.83 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,81,075
Active cases stand at 0.42%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.38%
34,226 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,21,58,510
13,405 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
76.12 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 10,84,247 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Prime Minister's Office
India's economy shines as a beacon of hope in these challenging times: PM
Commenting on a collection of articles and infographics by the Moneycontrol website regarding reasons for optimism for India, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi reaffirmed the robust growth and resilient spirit of the Indian economy.
The Prime Minister posted on X :
"India's economy shines as a beacon of hope in these challenging times. With robust growth and resilient spirit, the future looks promising. Let us keep this momentum and ensure prosperity for 140 crore Indians!"
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
NFAI book ‘Women In Indian Cinema’ launched at IFFI2018
Union Minister of State for Information &Broadcasting and Youth & Sports Affairs Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore launched a prestigious publication ‘Women in Indian Cinema today during the glittering inaugural ceremony of 49th International Film Festival of India, Goa. In the presence of Smt. MridulaSinha, Governor of Goa, AmitKhare, Secretary I&B, and Sadhana Rout, Director General, Publication Division.
A joint initiative of NFAI and Publication Division, the pictorial book traces the story of women on the silver screen in Indian Cinema.
The book titled “Women in Indian Cinema” discusses an interesting aspect of Indian cinema by visually traversing the story of “Indian Women”, as it has unfolded on the big screen. With chapters divided into themes like "Myths’ being Retold", "The Social Messengers", "Many ‘Battles’ to be won”, “Uncanny’ is the Name" etc., the book looks at a wide range of roles being portrayed to showcase different ideas of womanhood.
In his foreword, the Minister writes, ‘The position of women in society is always one of the most deliberated topics in India. It is interesting to observe how, over the years, Indian cinema has presented women and womanhood on screen. The importance of films in portraying in shifting roles of women over the years can’t be overemphasized. Therefore it is heartening to note that Publication Division and NFAI have synergized there expertise of preserving and promoting the ‘idea of India and its various facets’ to bring out this beautiful book on various shades of portrayal of women in Indian celluloid.I extend my heartiest congratulations to DPD and NFAI for their novel initiative.’
PrakashMagdum, director NFAI said, ‘This book is tribute to the women in Indian cinema. Through the pictorial presentation using the images from NFAI’s collection, we have explored various aspects and themes across many languages and eras. I am sure film lovers across the world will appreciate rich legacy of Indian cinema coming alive through this book.’
In recent past, cinemas across various regions of India have mirrored changing social and economic realities of emerging India, the coming years may witness more such things on screen. One may expect not just woman-centric features, but a more complex cultural fabric accommodating important aspects of Indian womanhood in Indian cinemas in near future.
The book is jointly complied by PrakashMagdum, Director NFAI and Binayak Bhattacharya, Film Historian NFAI. Published by Publication Division the book will soon available for sale.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates direct flight between Pune and Bangkok
Aircraft Boeing 737 will be deployed on this route and the flight will operate four days a week
Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has inaugurated a direct flight from Pune to Bangkok, today.
The flight will operate between Pune-Bangkok-Pune effective 12th November 2022 . It will operate on every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on this route as per the following schedule:
|
|
Flight No
|
|
Sector
|
|
Dep
|
|
Arr.
|
|
Frequency
|
|
Aircraft
|
|
SG 81
|
|
PNQ-BKK
|
|
18:45
|
|
00:40
|
|
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
|
|
B-737
|
|
SG 82
|
|
BKK-PNQ
|
|
14:15
|
|
17:10
|
|
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
|
|
B-737
In his address, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia said that this air connectivity between Pune and Bangkok will encourage the bilateral exchange between India and Thailand in the domain of trade, education and investment.
Minister further said that Pune Airport is an important airport in the country and the government is giving impetus to its infrastructure development. The new terminal of this airport will be completed by the September next year, the new international cargo terminal is expected to be developed by December 2024. Meanwhile, an integrated air cargo terminal for both international and domestic use will be developed by March 2023. A multi-level parking has already been developed and will open soon.
SpiceJet’s Flight SG 81 will depart from Pune at 1845 hrs. and arrive in Bangkok at 0040 hrs and Flight SG 82 will depart from Bangkok at 1415 hrs. and arrive in Pune at 1710 hrs. Aircraft Boeing 737 will be operating on this route.
The inauguration was graced by Shri Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet, and other dignitaries from MoCA, AAI, SpiceJet, and local administration from Pune.
Previous Press Release on UDAN can be seen here-
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1872817
Ministry of Finance
Government announces Excise Duty reduction on Petrol and Diesel on the eve of Diwali
Excise duty on Petrol and Diesel to be reduced by Rs. 5 and Rs. 10 respectively from tomorrow
Prices of Petrol and Diesel will come down accordingly
Reduction in excise duty on diesel will be double that of petrol and will come as a boost to the farmers during the upcoming Rabi season
States urged to reduce VAT on Petrol & Diesel to give relief to consumers
Government of India has taken a significant decision of reducing Central Excise Duty on Petrol & Diesel by Rs. 5 and Rs. 10 respectively from tomorrow. Prices of petrol & diesel will thus come down accordingly.
The reduction in excise duty on diesel will be double that of petrol. The Indian farmers have, through their hard work, kept the economic growth momentum going even during the lockdown phase and the massive reduction in excise on diesel will come as a boost to the farmers during the upcoming Rabi season.
In recent months, crude oil prices have witnessed a global upsurge. Consequently, domestic prices of petrol and diesel had increased in recent weeks exerting inflationary pressure. The world has also seen shortages and increased prices of all forms of energy. The Government of India has made efforts to ensure that there is no energy shortage in the country and that commodities such as petrol and diesel are available adequately to meet our requirements.
Driven by the enterprising ability of India’s aspirational population, the Indian economy has witnessed a remarkable turnaround post the COVID-19 induced slowdown. All sectors of the economy – be it manufacturing, services or agriculture – are experiencing significant upward economic activity.
To give a further fillip to the economy, the Government of India has decided to significantly reduce the excise duty on diesel and petrol.
The reduction in excise duty on Petrol and Diesel will also boost consumption and keep inflation low, thus helping the poor and middle classes. Today’s decision is expected to further spur the overall economic cycle.
States are also urged to commensurately reduce VAT on Petrol and diesel to give relief to consumers.
RM/KMN
(Visitor Counter : 14285
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari says upgrade and widening of 230-kilometer-long Kargil-Zanskar Road of National Highway 301 initiated in Ladakh
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said in Ladakh the upgrade and widening of the 230-kilometer-long Kargil-Zanskar Road, which is a vital segment of National Highway 301 has been initiated. In a series of tweets he said this extensive project, divided into 8 packages, has seen the successful completion of Pkg 5, with Pkg 6 and 7 scheduled for this fiscal year. The Minister said these 3 packages encompass a staggering 97.726 Km, featuring 13 major bridges, 18 minor bridges, and an astounding 620 box culverts.
Shri Gadkari said the terrain presents immense challenges, with a deep gorge on one side and a steep hill on the other. He said the region's harsh environment, marked by scant vegetation and low oxygen levels, coupled with its extreme cold climate, compounds the difficulties. Over half of the stretch lacks habitation and network connectivity.
The Minister said upon completion, this all-weather road will serve as a crucial infrastructure asset, facilitating troop and heavy artillery movement. Beyond its strategic importance, the project is poised to spur economic development and boost tourism in the region, he added.
Shri Gadkari said under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi this ambitious initiative reflects a commitment to achieving efficient, trouble-free, and environmentally conscious mobility in the border region.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Ravi Kumar Dahiya for winning Silver Medal in Wrestling at Tokyo Olympics 2020
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Ravi Kumar Dahiya for winning the Silver Medal in Wrestling at Tokyo Olympics 2020 and called him a remarkable wrestler.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Ravi Kumar Dahiya is a remarkable wrestler! His fighting spirit and tenacity are outstanding. Congratulations to him for winning the Silver Medal at #Tokyo2020. India takes great pride in his accomplishments."
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the loss of lives due to fire at hospital in Ahmedabad
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has condoled the loss of lives due to fire at a hospital in Ahmedabad.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said,
"Saddened by the tragic hospital fire in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to CM @vijayrupanibjp Ji and Mayor @ibijalpatel Ji regarding the situation. Administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected."
Ministry of Defence
BRO to complete Restoration Works on Amarnath Yatra Track by 15th June, 2023
Border Road Organization  will complete the restoration works on Amarnath Yatra track by 15 June 2023, well before the Yatra commences on 01 July 2023. The scope of work involves snow clearance, widening of the track, restoration of all foot bridges, fixing of hand rails, construction of break walls etc.
Earlier the Yatra track from Baltal to the Holy Cave was maintained by Public Works Department, Jammu & Kashmir and the one from Chandanwari to Holy Cave was maintained by Pahalgam Development Authority. The tracks were handed over to BRO in September 2022 for maintenance and upgradation.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
MoS Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates an event organised on World Environment Day, 2018
Keeping environment & surroundings clean should become a mass movement, says Minister
The Union Minister of State  of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated an event organised on the occasion of World Environment Day 2018, here today. The event is being organised by the Indian Institute and Ecology and Environment and other associates. The theme of this year’s World Environment Day is “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said that celebration of World Environment Day is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the cause of protection of environment. There is still a lot that we need to do to protect our environment, he added.
Speaking about the Swachhata Campaign launched by the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he said this has now become a mass campaign. He said that special emphasis has been laid on constructing toilets for girl children and within one year, 4 lakh such toilets were built, he added. On completion of 4 years of Central Government, about 7.5 crore toilets have been constructed, the Minister further said. He said that the Government has taken various other initiatives to spread awareness among the masses to keep their environment clean. The Minister added that the mind set needs to be changed to achieve the target of clean environment.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that this year’s theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution” is very important keeping in mind the use of plastic these days. He said that the citizens need to be educated about the harmful effects of the use of plastic on marine life, human health and environment. The plastic pollution can be beaten only when awareness is generated at a mass level, he said.
The event is laying emphasis on role of schools, colleges and universities in protecting our nature & environment and beating plastic pollution.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister extends best wishes on the occasion of Navroz
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended best wishes on the special occasion of Parsi New Year, Navroz.
In a tweet, Prime Minister said;
“Navroz Mubarak!
Best wishes on the special occasion of Parsi New Year. India takes great pride in the culture and traditions of the Parsi community. This community has significantly enriched our national progress. I pray for a year filled with happiness, excellent health and prosperity.”
Ministry of Defence
Vice President inaugurates NCC Republic Day Camp
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar lauds contribution of the NCC to nation building
The Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar formally inaugurated the NCC Republic Day Camp 2023 in New Delhi on 7 January 2023. On the occasion, a contingent of NCC cadets drawn from all the three wings namely Army, Navy and Air Force, presented a guard of honour to the Vice President. The Vice President also inspected the Parade.
Addressing the Cadets, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded the contribution of the NCC to nation building by inculcating character, comradeship and the spirit of selfless service among our young students. The NCC, over the years, has created a truly vibrant and diverse cadre of motivated & disciplined youth who are doing excellent work in all walks of life, he added.
The Vice President said, for the NCC, the world’s largest youth organisation and particularly for cadets performing in Amritkal at Kartavya Path will be a moment to ever cherish.
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar also visited the “Hall of Fame”, which has been recently renovated and Flag Area where he listened to the young cadets briefing about their respective states and appreciated the various social themes displayed in the Flag Aeeas prepared by them.
The Vice President was given the NCC Alumni Association membership by DG NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh on the occasion.
The 74th National Cadet Corps  Republic Day Camp  2023 commenced at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantt on January 02, 2023. A total of 2,155 cadets including 710 girls from all 28 States and 8 Union Territories are participating in the one month long Camp.
The Camp will also see participation of cadets and officers from 19 friendly countries as part of the youth exchange programme.
The Cadets attending the camp will participate in a number of activities like Cultural Competitions, National Integration Awareness Programmes and various Institutional Training Competitions. Two NCC marching contingents will participate in the Republic Day Parade on 26 Jan 2023. This myriad and demanding set of activities would culminate with the PM’s Rally on the evening of 28 Jan 2023.